best compact MT for urban use?

A

average gimp

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Jun 5, 2009
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I'm wondering what is the smallest full-featured tool you would recommend for urban survival. My aim is to make sure I've got it with me and that I can use for repairs and adjustments as well as making other tools. The most capable tools all seem to run heavy, so I'm trying to balance the most function for the least size and weight.

My suspicion is that the Rebar might be as small as I can go, but I'm looking for input from more experienced users.
 
Thanks, but I consider a file mandatory. FWIW, I also tried a Sidekick, which has a file that's too small and mainly is suitable for fingernails. Plus it's lopsided and the weight doesn't seem to carry well.
 
Leatherman Charge AL is pretty sweet. Pocket clip makes it easily accessible. I use mine constantly on job sites and get requests to borrow it [obnoxiously] often. Great multi-tool. :thumbup:
 
I would recommend eithre the Victorinox Craftsman or Ranger. The Ranger lacks pliers, but other than that both have all the tools on you find necessary without the silly ones that are never used like on the Champ. The Craftsman I would recommend for a belt pouch carry; the Range could be used as a pocket carry but a bit bulky. I have both and prefer the Carpenter. My EDC is a Deluxe Tinker as I don't really need a metal file, etc. Look them over and let us know which you choose (just curious).

Rich
SAK Fanatic
 
If you're talking about urban EDC, then I'd recommend Vic Climber, has just about everything you'll need during the day. However, if you're looking for something that could get you out of a jam, then I'd go Leatherman Juice, it's compact but has just about everything you'll need (I prefer the CS4).
 
znapschatz said:
Rebar is a good option, and a Micra for scissors plus other supplementary tools.
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Other than the eyeglass screwdriver, I've never seen any use for a Micra. Thanks for backing up the Rebar choice, though!

Rich S said:
I would recommend eithre the Victorinox Craftsman or Ranger. The Ranger lacks pliers, but other than that both have all the tools on you find necessary without the silly ones that are never used like on the Champ. The Craftsman I would recommend for a belt pouch carry; the Range could be used as a pocket carry but a bit bulky. I have both and prefer the Carpenter. My EDC is a Deluxe Tinker as I don't really need a metal file, etc. Look them over and let us know which you choose (just curious).
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You've pointed out some Vics I wasn't aware existed, but they have batches of tools I can't see a use for, such as corkscrews, more than one plain-edged knife, package hooks, or scissors. I know the last is controversial, but I just can't see scissors as more useful than a single plain-edged knife. I have a Spirit S, which has a great selection of tools but seems overlong for EDC and won't be replaceable for much longer. FWIW, my first serious carry knife was a Tinker, back when they only came in 84mm. I still have that one but came to want other tools available.

BoxANT said:
If you're talking about urban EDC, then I'd recommend Vic Climber, has just about everything you'll need during the day. However, if you're looking for something that could get you out of a jam, then I'd go Leatherman Juice, it's compact but has just about everything you'll need (I prefer the CS4).
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The Juice Xe6 seems a worthy contender. I like the form factor, still hate the corkscrew and the scissors, and its weight is close to the Rebar's. If Leatherman had just kept the Kf4 in production, I'd have gotten that; or if there was a way to transplant the longer-shanked Tinker Phillips in place of the Xe6's corkscrew, that'd be something!
 
When it comes to SAKs for urban use, I can recommend the Handyman. It has a lot of useful tools and tools which may not be useful at first sight, but can save the day if you need them and the Handyman is a compact package. I love the scissors on SAKs and use them much more often than the blade, as it's often just more comfortable than using a blade and in some situations, like electronics, spaces are too small for cutting with a blade or you just don't want to put a pressure on a wire.

When it comes to plier based tools, the Leatherman Juice-line is great, but I would prefer carrying a midsize multitool like the Leatherman Charge or Victorinox SwissTool Spirit.
 
Harayasu said:
When it comes to plier based tools, the Leatherman Juice-line is great, but I would prefer carrying a midsize multitool like the Leatherman Charge or Victorinox SwissTool Spirit.
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Couldn't agree more, something I learned through the example of life experiences. Over a 15 year period, there were 3 occasions almost identical in circumstances; freeway driving when a seriously heavy rain squall almost obliterated forward vision and the drivers side wipers ceased to function. I pulled to the side of the road, but waiting it out was dangerous because a motorist might blindly run into my car. The tool kit was in the trunk wheel well with a pile of luggage over it, so the best option for a speedy repair was the multi-tool on my belt. It took me less than a minute to get out of the car, tighten the nut holding the wiper arm, get back in the car and on my way. The first two times, I had my Super Tool, but at the last it was a Juice CS4. Fixes 1 and 2 had been secure enough to not bother with any further tightening until we reached our destination, but the Juice pliers could barely handle the job. With little confidence the nut would stay tightened, I drove to the next off ramp, found a covered service station and finished with a wrench. Two lessons from these episodes: 1. There is no arguing with physics. You need enough tool. Equip yourself accordingly and learn to accommodate. 2. Finally, finally, get it through my stupid head to stow a wrench in the glove box so these quickie repairs get fixed properly. Is that so hard?.
 
Harayasu said:
When it comes to plier based tools, the Leatherman Juice-line is great, but I would prefer carrying a midsize multitool like the Leatherman Charge or Victorinox SwissTool Spirit.
Click to expand...

znapschatz said:
Couldn't agree more, something I learned through the example of life experiences. Over a 15 year period, there were 3 occasions almost identical in circumstances; freeway driving when a seriously heavy rain squall almost obliterated forward vision and the drivers side wipers ceased to function. I pulled to the side of the road, but waiting it out was dangerous because a motorist might blindly run into my car. The tool kit was in the trunk wheel well with a pile of luggage over it, so the best option for a speedy repair was the multi-tool on my belt. It took me less than a minute to get out of the car, tighten the nut holding the wiper arm, get back in the car and on my way. The first two times, I had my Super Tool, but at the last it was a Juice CS4. Fixes 1 and 2 had been secure enough to not bother with any further tightening until we reached our destination, but the Juice pliers could barely handle the job. With little confidence the nut would stay tightened, I drove to the next off ramp, found a covered service station and finished with a wrench. Two lessons from these episodes: 1. There is no arguing with physics. You need enough tool. Equip yourself accordingly and learn to accommodate.
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Good points. Looks like the Rebar is the way to go. Thanks!
 
I have a Leatherman Juice CS4 that I love, doesnt have your mandatory file, but its a great little tool!
 
I say a leatherman pst is the right size. for me at least. I do find a micra very handy for the stray mustache hair though.
 
JM2 said:
I say a leatherman pst is the right size. for me at least. I do find a micra very handy for the stray mustache hair though.
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Seems to me that as far as tools in the current Leatherman line, the Rebar is closest to the original PST.
 
I find the Leatherman Wingman to be a good balance of function and size. I like the pocket clip and it has all the tools I use the most.
 
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